Last week at Sheepvention in Hamilton, Mr McDonald won the auctioneers competition. 

He beat home a strong field that featured auctioneers from across the state.

Casterton’s Sam Broomby was in second place, third was Murray Bennett from Wangaratta while Matt Rowlands from Mildura won the encouragement award.

Mr McDonald, 20, is a stock agent at SKB Rodwells.

His grandfather Noel Saffin, who is now retired, was a key player in the company.

Mr McDonald said his grandfather had a big influence on his career choice.

“I grew up in and around the industry with my grandfather so it was something I was always interested in,” Mr McDonald said.  

“Most young blokes who start out as stock agents are keen to have a go at the auctioneering and I thought it would be good to have a crack.”

Mr McDonald started as a stock agent in January last year.

He took part in the Sheepvention auctioneers competition in his first year but failed to place.

Mr McDonald described this year’s competition as “nerve wrecking” with a big crowd in attendance to witness the competition.

Despite this, he said he felt more prepared going into the 2017 event.

He attributed his ability to handle the pressure to the support from his workmates.

“I had only done a little bit of auctioneer before last year’s competition,” he said.

“Leading into this year I had done auctioneering a bit more regularly so I had some more experience which certainly helped. 

“I was still really nervous but having that extra experience to call on was good.

“I had to push myself to get up there but once I started I settled alright.”

“I work with a terrific team of people.

“I’m very lucky to have some experienced auctioneers around me who are always really keen to help.

“If I have a question, they are more than happy to provide an answer.”

Mr McDonald said he is keen to defend his title next year and is considering entering the 2018 state auctioneering titles.